Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to a great Canadian, Assistant Commissioner Don McDermid of RCMP K Division who retired on October 19, 2001. His last act of duty was to transfer command to Assistant Commissioner Sweeney.
A fitting ceremony was held for a man who dedicated over 36 years of his life to the service of his country and to the legacy and legend of the RCMP. Hundreds of family members, friends, acquaintances and business contacts gathered to pay tribute to the assistant commissioner. The true measure of this man's accomplishments was expressed through the relationships he had developed with others over his years as a lawman.
Too often men strive just to gain the praise of others. Not so for Assistant Commissioner McDermid. He was praised by many though he did not seek it. His dedication, loyalty and integrity brought true success and his leadership inspired confidence in the community he served.
Assistant Commissioner McDermid's daughter graciously spoke the words that said it all: “You can't get any more Canadian than to be part of a family whose father is a Mountie”. We are all part of that Canadian family.
I thank Don McDermid and his wife Pat for their years of service and love of Canada.